Today is International Peace Day. This day is devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. While I wholeheartedly agree with the idea of strengthening peace among all people and nations, I particularly like the idea of strengthening peace within ourselves. I think when we are filled with internal peace, we aren't as distracted or destructive. When we are happy and content with our own lives, it makes us more compassionate with each other.
It's easy to get frustrated with all the demands of daily life but here are five things you can practice to achieve peace within yourself: 1. Practice Gratitude- Count your blessings daily. Consider keeping a gratitude journal and write down at least two or more things you're grateful for each day. This will help you put things in perspective. 2. Practice Faith- Find something to believe in. A higher power, something greater than yourself. Allow yourself to believe that there is an orchestrator of the universe looking out for you. Believe that the good you put out there will come back to you and pray for discipline to stay the course. 3. Meditate- Carve out at least five to ten minutes per day to be still . . .to just focus on where you are and all that you've accomplished. Let your mind be still and let go of your anxiousness. Remain calm and carry on. 4. Affirm Yourself- Think of all you've overcome and use that as motivation and plant a seed of confidence. Repeat these affirmations in the mirror daily: I AM STRONG. I AM CONFIDENT. I AM SMART. I CAN HANDLE WHATEVER LIFE THROWS AT ME. 5. Take care of your mind and body- Get some form of exercise everyday, even if it's walking to the corner and back. When your body is healthy it energizes you and makes you feel stronger. READ! Grab the community newspaper, log on to your favorite blog or pick up a novel or self help book. Keep your mind stimulated. Treat your inner peace as something sacred and don't let anyone disturb it- including you.
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Back in the day when I was young, I'm not a kid anymore but some days I sit and wish I was a kid again. . . . . (from the song Back in the Day by Ahmad) A letter to my 18 year old self:
Dear Me, You just graduated from high school and have mixed emotions. You actually enjoyed school (mainly for the social aspect. . .even though you were really smart) but now that you've graduated things will start to change rapidly. Friendships you relied on will fade and your mom will increase your level of responsibility quite a bit. You'll be mad for a while and will think it's unfair but ultimately, it's the best thing she could have done for you. SPOILER ALERT: You turn out pretty good- amazing even. . . . But I would encourage you to be more present and stop forcing situations and people in your life that aren't meant to stay. Move on and don't waste your precious time. I should probably tell you to focus more on your education but if I don't know if there will be a butterfly effect and you end up not meeting your husband, which would be tragic because he's pretty awesome. And you might not have your children, they are pretty awesome too. So, just enjoy your journey, be patient and stop being so hard on yourself! Your self esteem will take a hit in your early 20's but just get back up and next time remember to bob and weave. . .bob and weave. Don't regret anything that you experience because it is all helping you to be the person you will ultimately become.. . .and I told you: she's amazing! Love you to infinity and beyond, (When you see Toy Story you'll get it) Me (This post is part of the HTXAAB September blogging challenge) So today is National Writing Date Day. . .I can dig it. Why not make EVERY day of the year a holiday.? Nothing wrong with celebrating something magical everyday.
And writing, is pretty magical. Words have the power to excite, entice and entertain. They can make you feel happy, sad or mad. Sometimes you will even LOL or ROTFL! You can also be inspired or informed. I aim to do at least one or all of the above when I weave words together in a story. I'm currently writing my new novel due out in December. When I'm in my zone, I'm totally transported into the story and the words just flow naturally. When I'm not in my zone, it feels forced so I step away and come back when I'm feeling more inspired. Writing is like a old friend who's always there when you need them and no matter how much time you spend a part, writing welcomes you back with open arms. I don't know what I would do if I didn't have writing as an outlet. It makes my heart sing. It's my superpower. I had a different college experience than most...I didn't get my bachelors degree until I was 42. I earned an associate degree in Human Resources in my 20's but didn't finish my bachelor's degree until 2012. I attended the University Houston's Clear Lake campus and it was a great experience. . .for me. I was already working (over 13 years in benefit administration at the Corporate level), married and had two kids- so flexibility was a priority! I was able to take online and night courses for three years before finally graduating in May 2012 with a degree in Communication. I think after working and having life experiences for the past 20+ years made me a much better student. Of course I wish I would have finished my degree after I graduated high school but I believe everything happens for a reason and on the timetable that it's meant to happen. The key is to remain patient and be ready when your time comes! It's NEVER too late! GO HAWKS! |
Writer. Reader. Designer. Creative Spirit.
“I would advise anyone who aspires to a writing career that before developing his talent he would be wise to develop a thick hide.”
—Harper Lee Book Recommendations
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